Product Manager

Product Manager, Engines    Reports To: Sr. Director, Vendor Relations and OEM Sales FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Columbus, OH (Hybrid) or Greensboro, NC (Hybrid)    Position Summary:    The Product Manager leads strategy, execution, and performance management for Gardner’s engine product portfolio. This role develops product line plans, manages vendor relationships, supports category marketing, and partners cross-functionally to drive profitable growth. The Product Manager must have a strong understanding of pricing, cost, margins, inventory planning, competitive positioning, and product line profitability while serving as a trusted resource for customers, dealers, sales teams, and internal departments. Job Role/Responsibilities:   Product Expertise & Portfolio Management * Serve as Gardner’s subject matter expert for the Rehlko small gasoline engine product line. * Maintain strong knowledge of engine specifications, applications, emissions requirements, accessories, and competitive offerings. * Manage product pricing, positioning, lifecycle planning, profitability, and portfolio growth. * Lead product launches, transitions, discontinuations, training materials, and sales tools. OEM & Dealers & Technical Support * Partner with OEM Account Managers to identify engine placement opportunities and support customer visits, demonstrations, and technical discussions. * Collaborate with Technical Team to evaluate customer applications, recommend appropriate Rehlko engine solutions, and support prototype testing and validation. * Coordinate with Rehlko engineering and product management to resolve technical issues and application questions. * Support Gardner’s independent dealer network through product training, technical assistance, application support, and program promotion. * Identify repower opportunities where Rehlko engines can replace competitive products. * Develop cross-reference guides, repower recommendations, competitive strategies, and dealer sales tools. Business Planning & Market Development * Develop annual product line strategies, growth plans, product roadmaps, and market expansion initiatives. * Identify portfolio gaps, recommend new products, and evaluate emerging technologies, alternative fuels, electrification, and competitive trends. * Lead annual business planning with Rehlko and identify joint growth opportunities. Financial, Inventory & Supply Chain Management * Own revenue, margin, growth objectives, forecasts, pricing actions, and product line performance tracking. * Partner with supply chain and Rehlko to forecast demand, optimize inventory, monitor backlog and fill rates, and support allocation decisions.     Marketing, CRM & Sales Analytics * Develop go-to-market strategies, launch plans, messaging, value propositions, promotions, and digital lead-generation support. * Maintain pipeline visibility, track competitive conversions and repower opportunities, analyze sales trends and market share, and use CRM tools to identify growth opportunities. * Participate in trade shows, customer events, and regular business reviews with Rehlko. Communication & Execution * Communicate technical and commercial information clearly to customers, dealers, engineers, sales teams, and internal departments. * Manage multiple priorities and projects independently while applying strong analytical, communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills. * Maintain an entrepreneurial mindset, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.   Education and Experience:   * Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, supply chain, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred. * Minimum of five years of industry experience in distribution, technical sales, supplier management and negotiations, business development, product management, marketing, merchandising, or related functions required. * Experience supporting OEM customers or distributor/dealer networks preferred. * Ability to manage cross-functional initiatives required. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office required; strong mechanical and technical aptitude preferred. Other Requirements: * A valid driver's license and the ability to travel up to 25% of the time may be required